You know you've succeeded in living a different lifestyle when your kids ask for a glass of Maggie milk because it came from a cow named Maggie. Life around here can be kind of crazy, but with six kids, two milk cows, and other animals, what do you expect?
Join us as we explore life on the farm, large family homeschooling, real food and frugal living here at Grouse Creek Farm.

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Friday, September 19, 2014

Farm Fresh Apple Juice

Ah--autumn is almost here, and the apples are getting ripe. I normally just make applesauce, until I remembered that Grandma had given me a steamer/juicer a few years back. It's been hanging out in my basement, just waiting for me to have that ah-ha moment!

I'd never used one of these before, but the directions were pretty simple. Core the apples and throw them in the fruit section. Boil water in the water section. Put the lid on and let it cook. Once steam started appearing, the timer was set for 80 minutes.

I had to add water once during that time. A tip I read said to use marbles in the bottom section, so when you heard them you'd know the water was getting low. That worked swell!

Once the timer went off, we released the clamp, and look at this:

Juice! Straight from the tree to the jar.

A 5 gallon bucket 3/4 full of small apples produced just under half a gallon of juice. We added a wee bit of sugar, as our apples are pretty tart. The juice was good once it cooled!

And the best part?

All of that fruit that was left in the top section...yup--that became applesauce. Just had to use the immersion blender on it in a bowl for a few minutes and add our cinnamon and sugar mixture.

I hope to make more soon! Getting applesauce in the freezer will be great.

Have you ever used a steamer/juicer? Any good recipe ideas for me to try?

Meet My Family

Here are the kids at Grouse Creek Farm

Jayme

Our oldest blessing. Jayme is 12, and a huge helper aound the farm. She is in 7th grade, and can often be found with her nose in a good book. Or writing. Or using Scratch to program something. Click her picture to see her first blog.

Owen

Owen, our 8 year old, has Angelman Syndrome--a deletion on the 15th chromosome. He may not speak, but he always has a lot to say.

Jeffrey

Jeffrey is 6. He enjoys being outside, and is our chief egg collector. He started school this year, and loves it!

Ellie

Our 4 year old Ellie is our girly-girl. She loves dressing up and painting her nails. But, being a girly doesn't stop her from being useful and hardworking on the farm. She helps to feed the cows hay, and chases chickens around the yard. She is joining Jeffrey with school activities this year.

Sydney

3 year old Sydney is full of curiosity and energy. She loves life!

Simon

Our 1 year old. Simon is a delight. He loves to chatter and play with cars. He drives them around on his knees and likes to run over toes of anyone in his way! He is also our climber.

About Me

My name is Lisa. I'm married to my high school sweetheart, Bryan. Together we have six children, Jayme, Owen, Jeffrey, Ellie, Sydney and Simon.
I enjoy homeschooling our kids, cooking my family real food, and spending time taking care of the day-day farm chores here at Grouse Creek Farm.
We are a Christian family and strive to please the Lord in all that we do.